What You’ll Study

Join API for an exciting and immersive international gap experience in Santiago, Chile!

Participants can contribute to the local community through service projects at local non-profits, teaching English through local community groups, or participating in youth empowerment programs through tutoring and surfing. Participants can also improve their Spanish language skills through the completion of a Spanish language and conversation course at a local language institute. One-month, two-month, and three-month placements are available.

On average, participants should expect to complete 25-30 hours of service each week, which equates to 5-6 hours per day. As a reminder, the programs will begin with a 2-3 day API orientation followed by one full week of language courses (20 hours total). Participants will be introduced to the service organization during this first week as well and will begin working in their volunteer placement the second week of the program. API staff will also facilitate weekly reflection lunches.

Cultural events are included, and participants can choose to participate in any excursions that overlap with their program for an additional fee. Participants may elect to add additional Spanish language and conversation for an extra fee as well ($350/20 hour week).

This is a perfect opportunity to earn service hours between high school and the start of college!

Staff & Coordinators

PROGRAM ITINERARY

Week 1

• Arrive in Santiago
• City tour welcome lunch
• Spanish language and conversation course (20 hours)*
• Orientation with local service organization

Week 2

• Participate in community service project
• Reflection session over lunch or dinner
• API cultural activity

Week 3

• Participate in community service project
• Reflection session over lunch or dinner
• API cultural activity

Week 4

• Participate in community service project
• Reflection session over lunch or dinner
• API cultural activity

Week 5

• Participate in community service project
• Reflection session over lunch or dinner
• API farewell meal

Itinerary is subject to change

*Participants may elect to add additional Spanish language and conversation for an extra fee as well ($240/20 hour week or $165/10 hour week).

Highlights

• Perfect opportunity to earn service hours between high school and the start of college

**API cultural activities may include cooking classes, historic and civic tours, an opportunity to experience Chilean Once, and more!

***Both day and overnight excursions are available for an additional fee. Potential trips include visits to Isla Negra, San Pedro de Atacama, Valparaíso or a local Chilean vineyard or aromatic farm. An international excursion to Mendoza, Argentina, is offered once a year.